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Welcome to SoulFULLY Living #83...
(Click for HTML Version - www.lifecoachmary.com/issue83.htm)
Welcome New Subscribers! You may view ISSUE #1 at www.lifecoachmary.com/issue1.htm. Click HERE for archived issues. Soulfully Living's intention is to deliver inspiring ideas, articles and resources that positively impact the quality of your life. Welcome to our community.
HAPPY 5th Year ANNIVERSARY
to SoulFULLY Living!!
Happy Anniversary SoulFULLY Living Subscribers! Thank you subscribers, especially those who received my Welcome Issue on April 5th, 2002 -- FIVE years ago today!!! For a glance in the past, visit www.lifecoachmary.com/welcomesf.htm. Your continued subscriber-ship, loyalty, interest and notes of appreciation mean the world to me. A heartfelt thank you! I hope you're lives are more fulfilling today than when our paths first crossed. SoulFULLY Living has explored many topics, ideas, inquiries and magic moments throughout the years, and there are more to come. I look forward to celebrating more anniversaries with you.
Anniversary Issues are special, and easy to remember because as many of you know -- April 5th is also my birthday. My birthday wish is that YOU have a JOYOUS, PEACE-FILLED day. It will add to my already amazing day!! Also, you would assist me tremendously by visiting ____________ and completing my survey.
New Programs Survey...
Where do you need coaching?
I'm getting ready to add a few new programs, and I would love your input. What are your needs, wants and desires? How could I contribute to your deepest level of fulfillment, inner peace and success?
Please take a few seconds and take my short survey. Click on 1 or more subjects you're interested in (this doesn't commit you to enrolling in the course, it just let's me know there is interest for this subject). Or email me an idea of your own -- mary@lifecoachmary.com . Each of the programs below would be taught as a 4-12 week Teleclass series
Click Here to Complete the Survey
Conversations with the Masters
Adyashanti
Thank you again to those of you who participated in The Conversations with the Masters call on Tuesday, March 28th with Adyashanti. I was truly awed by how many people felt drawn to understanding enlightenment and spiritual awakening. It's beautiful to see so many people committed to their own consciousness and spiritual evolution. While all of the Conversations with the Masters calls are special to me, this call with Adyashanti was particularly profound for me. It's subtlety shifted how I'm living my life -- and how I'm leading my Success and INNER PEACE Bootcamps. If you missed the call, would like to re-listen to it or allow others to listen - the call was recorded. This is a MUST listen for anyone seeking enlightenment and spiritual awakening. I hope to have the opportunity to interview Adyashanti again and again.
www.lifecoachmary.com/adyashanti.htm
THREE WAYS to LISTEN - You may listen to a digital recording of the call via the internet on my website or by dialing the audio podium number. And, I'm also making the recording availabable for .mp3 downloads!!
The (success) and
INNER PEACE Bootcamp
Interviewing Adyashanti last week was a true gift. His message resonates deeply with me, namely because it IS the core of my (success) and INNER PEACE Bootcamp. It's about cultivating INNER PEACE and your connection to Reality, while honoring your creative impulses. Integrating this into our everyday lives is often the greater challenge. I would love to support you in integrating this wisdom more deeply.
What would it be like to live each day connected to your divine guidance, in pure alignment with reality and in pure alignment with your soul? And, what if -- out of that connection -- you simply honored your creative impulses? What if you were NOT trying to artificially speed life up (with pressure, guilt and overwhelm). What if you were NOT artificially trying to slow things down (with fear or procrastination)? And what if you were NOT artificially interpreting your world (with stories and false beliefs about yourself and others)? Imagine how your life may FLOW.
If this simple idea intrigues you, my (success) and INNER PEACE Bootcamp may be for you. Join me for a special Conference Call (no charge) on Thursday, April 19th at 1pm Pacific. 712-580-1800 pin 04207. I'll be sharing the 4 Power Choices, the core elements of the Bootcamp.
This week's features...
Soulfully Being: Personal Achievement or Spiritual Evolution: Can you have BOTH? In the world of personal development, there seem to be two distinct camps. Both approaches seem to lead to the same thing -- happiness and INNER PEACE. Is one approach, more effective than the other? How can we make sense of the sometimes contradicting approaches?
Magic Moment: Zen and the Art of Tax Season: John, a seasoned tax accountant, learns a new strategy from his dog Luna to bring a deeper sense of flow to his day. Feel free to try this one.
Success and Life Coaching: Top 10 Reasons to Join the INNER PEACE Bootcamp. What would it be like to live each day connected to your divine guidance, in pure alignment with reality and in pure alignment with your soul? And, what if -- out of that connection -- you simply honored your creative impulses? The Inner Peace Bootcamp may be for you. Read on.
Wishing you all a JOYOUS and PEACE-FILLED day!!
Happy 5 Year Anniversary!! 
Life Coach Mary, CPCC, MCC
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Personal Achievement or Spiritual Evolution: Can you have BOTH? Take charge or let go? Or?
In the world of personal development, there seem to be two distinct camps. Both approaches seem to lead to the same thing -- happiness and INNER PEACE. Is one approach, more effective than the other? How can we make sense of the sometimes contradicting approaches?
The Camp of Achievement
First is the goal-oriented, achievement-based, power-filled doctrine. This school of thought tells us to "take charge" of our lives. It tells us, we CAN shape our destiny. We CAN create our own reality. We CAN achieve anything we set our mind to. It's generally very "me-focused." Whether it is a Tony Robbins seminar, a motivational book or Donald Trump's Apprentice, the focus is on doing more. It's about being the best. It's about productivity. It's about material success. It's about power, taking control and taking action. It's about MORE, MORE, MORE. Because, after all, MORE will bring you greater happiness. Right?
I personally love setting goals and achieving them. Don't worry, I'm not asking you to throw away goals or achievement. Think about it, without the world of achievement, we wouldn't have all the luxuries and staples of our modern world. We have cars, planes, computers, internet, tv's, Tivos, DVD's, CD's, GPS, cell phones, clothing, books, appliances, as well as heating and air conditioning. We can even access 10,000 songs off of a single iPod. There are countless creations you enjoy everyday because someone focused on achieving a goal. Our world continues to thrive and grow because of people and companies committed to achieving.
The Camp of Enlightenment
The other camp is focused on spiritual evolution or enlightenment as its ultimate goal. The teachers of this path focus on the " here and now." It's about embracing reality, as it is, right now. It's about letting go of resistance. It's about recognizing the perfection of the moment. It's about doing nothing. It's about BEING. It's about meditation and clearing your thoughts. Of course, many of these thoughts are going gang-busters because we were wanting to pursue our goals and dreams, and they aren't materializing as quickly as the books promised. The path of enlightenment is more about stripping away the focus of me, me, me and recognizing the "oneness" of the Universe. This path is more about simplifying your life. It's about doing and having less. Some practices go so far to recommend you discard all material possessions. It's not about achievement, it's about letting go of the striving. It's about being. Byron Katie's Loving What Is, Eckhart Tolle, Adyashanti and Wayne Dyer all talk predominantly about this camp.
In our busy world, permission to release all thoughts in a meditation class is a welcomed invitation. Taking time to "be" when you're "doing, doing, doing" balances out the most committed achiever. Aligning with the now allows us to savor each moment, and connect more deeply with ourselves and others. It allows us to follow our intuition, and think creatively. By simplifying, there are fewer competing thoughts and more time to BE.
I've personally struggled in reconciling these two camps because I recognize many of the contradictions (do vs. be, control vs. surrender, more vs. less and force vs. allow), yet simultaneously, I see tremendous value in them both. I see how each has its merits, and can contribute to pain and frustration.
The Downside of Achievement
The personal achievement or "success" camp has an implied presumption. The presumption is your life is NOT already "perfect" and wonderful the way it is. We're told...you need to set goals. You should reach your potential. You have to commit. Your life will be better when you reach your goals. Many marketing approaches aim to highlight your deficits, and exaggerate the potential upside. And, they love to separate you from lots of money to learn their "secrets." Achievement can be expensive and exhausting. There is a lot of energy on the future. It's about focusing, taking actions, working hard, and doing whatever it takes. There is often a "forcing" type of energy. Get it done. Do more. Push yourself. Strive. Sound familiar? It can be very draining. When the pendulum of achievement swings to the extreme, there are a lot of associated costs.
The Upside of the Achievement Path
I believe, for many people, personal achievement is THE perfect place to start. Considering the vast majority of the population doesn't set goals at all. Most live life more or less on auto-pilot. So, taking conscious control of their lives allows their life to become a more authentic expression of themselves. Goal achievement gives us focus and direction. From this pursuit we learn about ourselves. We can recognize unconscious limiting beliefs. We can develop our strengths and improve our weaknesses. Goal achievement also builds self-esteem. Goal achievement often contributes to the greater good of society with new products and services. Without a certain percentage of the population focused on achieving and accomplishing, can you imagine how many basic luxuries we'd be without?
The Downside of the Enlightenment Path
The Enlightenment Path also has an implied assumption. It speaks to the perfection of the universe, and tells us we don't need to do anything. There is a certain truth in that. We are whole and complete, however most of us still have work to do to authentically "own" this truth. If we buy into the "whole and complete" wisdom without doing our inner work, we've just created a great story to justify our human blind spots. I've also seen lots of individuals become financially distraught when they focus exclusively on pursuing enlightenment. These people take "the perfection of the universe" wisdom as a "hall-pass" to stop contributing to society. It's as though they quit listening to their creative impulses altogether. They give up on themselves. At its extreme, they start resisting anything falling into the "achievement" bucket or any kind of "doing." These people are often part of the anti-capitalism movement. Of course, true enlightenment doesn't resist anything...including capitalism, achievement or doing.
The Upside of Enlightenment Path
For some, completing "letting go" is exactly their path, even if it includes financial devastation. For the achievement junkie, letting their foot off the peddle is EXACTLY what they need to balance out their being. When achievement becomes so "mind-driven," the intuitive, creative impulses can get drowned out. Relaxing into the flow of life seems to brings a different sort of serendipity and flow. Living in the present moment IS where life is happening. Most of us can learn to live here more often. The principles of enlightenment do allow us to connect more deeply inside of ourselves and with others. There are countless more benefits, including, my favorite...inner peace.
The Happy Middle
Perhaps there is wisdom from both camps for us to integrate into our lives. If we could be aware of swinging the pendulum too far to the "achievement camp" or too far to the enlightenment camp," maybe we would all be living in a natural place of flow.
We'd be living in the present moment pre-dominantly, while occasionally learning from the past or getting inspired about the future. We'd be consistently honoring our own inner voice of guidance, often referred to as our intuition, our Higher Self, God or Spirit. This inner voice would be inspiring authentic goals and desires. This inner voice would also guide us to rest and relax. We'd be nurturing this inner voice through silence and stillness. This inner voice would get our FOCUS and attention. Through this inner voice we would naturally honor our creative impulses.
We would NOT be trying to artificially speed things up. The Achievement Camp is often about trying to artificially speed things up. It shows up in the form of pressure, guilt, overwhelm and stress. In the middle, this would melt away.
We would NOT be trying to artificially slow things down. Sometimes the Enlightenment Camp gives us permission to slow things down too much. Although, admittedly, members of The Achievement Camp can fall prey to this form of resistance also. It shows up in the form of procrastination and fear. In the middle, we would simply be inspired to act.
The Perfect Blend
I'm not exactly sure what the perfect blend is of both camps, but I know it intrigues me. I'm continually aware of the extremes. I continually try to relax back into the moment, keep my energy vibration high, embrace the reality unfolding before me and listen intently on my inner voice. From this place, conscious choices flow. And, from this place, I experience INNER PEACE.
I'll continue the practice. Maybe one day I'll master it. |
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| Zen and the Art of Tax Season
Tax season and inner peace don't seem like they go together. Unfortunately, for most CPA's they don't go together at all. Tax season and stress are just the way of life. But, not for all. John Mathias approaches his life and his tax season differently. And, he recently took some pointers from his dog Luna.
Last year, John named his tax season, "Zen and the Art of Tax Practice." With an authentic intention and a few strategies, John enjoyed the 2006 tax season with remarkable peace and joy. Maybe one day he'll write a book about his secrets.
This year, he wanted to take it to an even more Zen-like level. He started noticing his drives to and from work felt the heaviest in his day. Why suffer? But, what could be done?
John has two French bulldogs. This spring he enrolled in a training class with Luna. He started noticing how Luna would get so excited on the way to the dog park. Overflowing with anticipation and excitement, her tail wiggle-waggled ferociously. Her long, wet tongue hung out, while she alternated between panting and growing whimpers. By the time they arrived at the dog park, she was ready to burst out the door and seize the moment.
Being a smart man, John took note.
One day on his way to work, he decided to try Luna's innate strategy for himself. What if he worked himself up for the beginning of his work day? While sitting at the red lights, he'd start breathing like a panting dog. He stuck out his tongue, mimicking Luna. As he got closer and closer to work, the whimpering grew and grew. He looked around eagerly, as the excitement and anticipation built. He even would've wagged his tail if he'd had one.
The first morning he tried this strategy, a client was waiting for his arrival. John was so fired up, he greeted his client with gusto. "Isn't this a GREAT day!!?" "I'm so excited about today!" Energy and enthusiasm was radiating from every cell in his being.
His client looked at him. "We are here to do my taxes, right?"
Of course, John responded, "YES, of course!!"
Imagine if everyone at your company or business followed Luna's lead. We would have one excited world. And, maybe we wouldn't need to drink so much coffee.
Share a Magic Moment email: mary@lifecoachmary.com |
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Inner Peace Bootcamp
Special Q&A Conference Call
"The 4 Power Choices"
Thursday, April 19th
at 1-2pm Pacific
(4pm Eastern, 9pm London time)
712-580-1800 pin 04207
with Life Coach Mary
(no charge for this call)
*****
Top 10 Reasons to Join the
INNER PEACE Bootcamp...
1. You value your inner peace, and spiritual evolution as much, or more, as your outer successes.
2. You want to realize your creative goals and passions, while honoring your inner guidance and spiritual evolution.
3. You've been a student of personal and spiritual growth for awhile, and you would love to integrate what you "know" at a deeper level so you can live an even more extraordinary and peace-filled life.
4. It would be INSPIRING and FUN to work with a group of like-minded individuals to celebrate your breakthroughs, insights and successes along the way while supporting and challenging you throughout the year.
5. Integrity and being "authentically you" is very important. You want to expand your authentic self in the process of realizing your goals.
6. You have a copy of Mary's book The Power of Inner Choice, and would like to more fully integrate each of the twelve lessons into your life.
7. You know the power of FOCUS, and would like to be even more consistent. Having a structured program to consistently support you, could be perfect.
8. You'd like to hire Mary as your coach, but simultaneously want to conserve cash. You KNOW the value of coaching and added accountability, and you want the benefits! Besides you've heard Mary gives ridiculously fabulous support to her Bootcamp participants. Does she ever sleep?
9. You wouldn't normally respond to a "list like this," but this unique year long "bootcamp" is resonating with you at your core. It feels right.
10. You're REALLY, REALLY inspired to make the next 12 months an incredibly peaceful, connected, happy and extraordinary year. You're tired of settling for an average year. You're COMMITTED to YOU own evolution.
www.lifecoachmary.com/bootcamp.htm
Is your curiosity peaked? If so, join me on Thursday, April 19th at 1pm Pacific (3pm Eastern) to learn more about the (success) and INNER PEACE Bootcamp.
Inner Peace Bootcamp
Special Q&A Conference Call
Thursday, April 19th
at 1 - 2pm Pacific
(4pm Eastern, 9pm London time)
712-580-1800 pin 04207
(no charge for this call)
If the program resonates for you, request the Bootcamp Questionnaire and Application. After I receive your completed paperwork, we'll schedule a time to speak over the phone to determine if The (success) and INNER PEACE Bootcamp is a fit for you, and for the group!
I would love to support you on your path. |
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| We hope you've enjoyed reading this issue of the Soulfully Living. We LOVE hearing feedback....especially if you've enjoyed this issue. Let us know what you like, so we can give you more of what you want. And, if you've got a suggestion of how we might improve or enhance SoulFULLY Living, please email mary@lifecoachmary.com .
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Issue #83 • <4/5/07>
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